Breast screenings & prevention

One in eight American women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime. Mammograms are still the key to early detection.

That’s why Edward-Elmhurst Health offers no-referral mammograms that you can schedule online. Don’t wait. Go online, find a time that works for you, and schedule your appointment today. It’s that easy.

Schedule a screening mammogram near you

Schedule a screening mammogram near you

What is a mammogram?

This Edward-Elmhurst Health “Healthy Minute,” about the importance of mammograms to detect breast cancer, includes sound bites from Dr. Alyssa Papuga, a family medicine physician with Edward Medical Group.

A mammogram is an X-ray of the breast, and the single most effective method of early breast cancer detection. It can help detect breast cancer in its earliest stages — before physical symptoms develop — by locating tumors that are too small or too deep to be found by breast examination.

A screening mammogram differs from a diagnostic one. A screening mammogram checks for breast cancer in a woman who shows no signs or symptoms of the illness. A diagnostic mammogram is used to check for breast cancer in a woman who has a lump, symptoms of disease, or is identified as high risk.

Why get a 3D mammogram?

Edward-Elmhurst Health offers a revolutionary new breast imaging tool called three-dimensional (3D) mammography, also known as breast tomosynthesis. A 3D mammogram takes multiple digital images of breast tissue from a variety of angles to create a 3D picture of the breast. This helps our radiologists identify and characterize individual breast structures without the confusion of overlapping tissue.

Schedule online to find locations that offer 3D mammography or call 630-527-3200 and ask for a 3D screening mammogram.

How dangerous is radiation from a mammogram?

Modern-day mammography involves a tiny amount of radiation exposure, even less than a standard chest X-ray. While repeated X-rays can increase the risk of breast cancer over time, the risk is very small. Studies show the benefits of receiving a mammogram outweigh the risks of radiation exposure for most women. Read our blog to learn more.

When should I get a mammogram?

Experts at the American College of Radiology (ACR) and Society of Breast Imaging (SBI) recommend that women receive an annual mammograms starting at age 40. Women at high risk for breast cancer need to begin screening earlier.

Why should I get a mammogram at Edward-Elmhurst Health?

Edward-Elmhurst Health has been designated a Breast Imaging Center of Excellence by the American College of Radiology (ACR), and both hospitals have earned accreditation by the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers (NAPBC). Accreditation by the NAPBC is granted only to those centers that are voluntarily committed to providing the best possible care to patients with diseases of the breast.

All of our mammography exams are read by expert physicians who are board certified by the ACR. We also offer a Breast Cancer Risk Assessment Program, a High-Risk Breast Clinic and leading-edge breast technology and care.

How do I schedule a mammogram?

Edward-Elmhurst Health makes it easier to schedule your mammogram and get your results. We offer same-day appointments and same-day results for mammograms and you don’t need a doctor’s order to request an appointment (as long as you are age 35 or older, and do not have symptoms or a history of breast cancer).

Molecular Breast Imaging (MBI) is a new way of providing functional images of the breast. This new technology supplements mammography by helping to detect breast cancer in women with dense breast tissue and those with a higher risk of breast cancer.

Unlike Mammography, MBI does not use X-rays, but utilizes principles of nuclear medicine in detecting a tumor. This gives your physician the ability to compare anatomical and functional images from similar perspectives and look at cellular activity within the breast, instead of focusing on breast tissue.

A doctor may recommend an MBI exam when additional functional information about a suspected lesion is required either during diagnosis or treatment of breast cancer. A physician referral is required for an MBI. Contact your physician to determine if an MBI is right for you.

Breast education and prevention

Looking to stay on top of your breast health? Edward-Elmhurst Health offers leading-edge breast technology and care. Whether you are striving to maintain your breast health or regain it after a cancer diagnosis, our multidisciplinary team has you covered.